If you’re interested in getting a facelift from Dr. Climov in The Woodlands, you’re probably wondering about what the recovery process will be like. Facelift recovery can seem intimidating, but the more you know about it, the easier it will be to approach the process with confidence. While every patient’s facelift recovery process will be different, there are a number of general aspects that all facelift patients should expect.
Facelift Recovery: Right After the Procedure
After your rhytidectomy (facelift) procedure has been performed, a bulky dressing will be in place. This is used to help protect your incisions. Drains may also be placed in order to carry away excess fluid and blood, preventing seromas and hematomas. These drains will be removed during a follow-up visit.
You will spend a couple of hours recovering at the facility, allowing your vitals to stabilize. A friend or family member will then drive you home to rest and heal.
Swelling, Bruising, and Pain After a Facelift
After your facelift, you may notice a degree of bruising and swelling near your incision sites. These issues commonly affect parts of the mid and lower face. They fade over the course of two weeks and fully disappear in around a month.
To help these issues fade, apply cold compresses to the affected areas. Keep your head elevated at all times, including overnight, and use pillows to prop your head up while you’re sleeping. Lymphatic massage can also help reduce swelling and bruising.
Pain, discomfort, or numbness may also occur. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage pain and discomfort, and numbness will typically resolve in time. You must also take antibiotics as directed to avoid infection.
Behavior Modifications During Facelift Recovery
Typically, facelift patients experience around two weeks of social downtime. You’ll be able to return to work after a week or two. Heavy exercise, lifting heavy objects, bending over, and other physically taxing activities should be avoided until you’re cleared to resume them.
You’ll need to wait two days before you can wash your hair. You’ll also need to avoid any hair treatments with chemicals for three to four weeks.
During rhytidectomy recovery, you’ll need to avoid alcohol and smoking, along with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and certain herbal supplements. Additionally, you’ll need to stay away from saunas, steam rooms, and steam face masks.
Follow-Up Appointments
It’s very important to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments during your facelift recovery process. When you visit our office near The Village of Grogan’s Mill or our office near Gosling Pines, Dr. Climov will evaluate your incisions’ healing process. He will check for any post-surgical complications, and if any are present, he will tell you how to best address them. Additionally, he will clear you to resume various activities over time.
Find Out More During a Consultation with Dr. Climov
To learn more about facelift recovery, schedule your consultation with Dr. Mihail Climov in The Woodlands. Contact our office today to arrange your consultation.
Dr. Mihail Climov is a trusted plastic surgeon serving Houston, The Woodlands, and Spring, TX, known for his artistry, precision, and compassionate approach. With advanced training at Harvard Medical School and elite U.S. aesthetic surgery programs, he blends innovation with meticulous surgical technique to achieve natural, beautiful results. Patients trust Dr. Climov for his commitment to safety, personalized care, and expertise in facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, and body contouring.